Financial Controller in Luton

Our client, a well-established organisation within the charity and education sector, is seeking a qualified Financial Controller to lead and oversee all financial operations across a multi-site environment. Reporting into the Chief Financial Officer, this is a senior role with responsibility for financial management, reporting, compliance, and team leadership. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining financial stability, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting strategic decision-making. You will manage a central finance team and work closely with senior leaders across the organisation. This role offers great benefits, and you will be joining a collaborative and supportive culture. Key Responsibilities Lead, manage, and develop a central finance team, including managers and officers Drive high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement Build strong working relationships across finance and senior leadership teams Ensure accurate outputs, adherence to deadlines, and consistent financial standards Produce accurate monthly management accounts and annual financial statements Oversee consolidated reporting in line with relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g. Charity SORP / ESFA where applicable) Provide financial analysis, insight, and recommendations to the CFO Lead preparation of statutory accounts, returns, and audit deliverables Support organisation-wide budgeting and forecasting processes Lead annual budgeting and periodic reforecasting across multiple cost centres Work with senior stakeholders to align budgets with strategic objectives Oversee AP and AR functions, ensuring efficient and reliable service delivery Maintain supplier relationships and oversee due diligence processes Manage cash flow and liquidity across the organisation Oversee bank reconciliations and treasury processes Support investment and reserves management in line with policy Ensure compliance with financial regulations, internal controls, and policies Act as a key contact for auditors and external advisors Provide financial guidance to senior leaders and operational teams Deputise for the CFO where required Support system integration and reporting improvements Lead or support ad-hoc finance projects, including capital planning Liaise with external stakeholders as required Candidate Requirements Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA or equivalent) Significant experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role Background within charity, not-for-profit, or education environments Proven experience managing and developing finance teams Strong technical accounting, reporting, and compliance knowledge Confident communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders Hands-on, organised, and comfortable working in a multi-site setting